Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not a music major – can I participate in the ECU Marching Pirates?

Yes! As with most collegiate marching bands, non-music majors comprise the majority of our membership. Our enrollment includes a variety of majors and degrees.

I’ve never marched or I’ve never marched corps-style. Can I still be in the ECU Marching Pirates?

Absolutely! We have new members every year who have never marched or have never marched corps-style. Our style of marching is taught during band camp.

Does it cost anything to participate in the ECU Marching Pirates?

In most cases, no. The Marching Pirates are fortunate to have most of their expenses, including travel, paid for by the university and athletic department. Members of the band are only required to purchase black marching shoes, at least 2 pairs of black marching gloves, flip charts and lyres, and their own meals during band camp. Please see the handbook for further detail on payments and costs.

Are scholarships available?

Yes! The ECU Marching Pirates awards scholarships to 3rd and 4th year members, leadership, and a few select sections including sousaphone, mellophone and trombone.

Does the band attend away games?

For many years, the band has had the privilege of attending away games. Depending on the game, the entire band might attend or maybe just a small pep band. Also, if the band is invited to a bowl game at the end of the season, it is a requirement for the band to attend. Please see the handbook for further information.

Is band camp required?

Yes. Only students who have successfully participated in band camp are permitted to be members of the ECU Marching Pirates.

Where do I stay during band camp?

ECU students who will be living on campus are allowed to move into their residence halls during the first day of band camp. Students living off campus will need to make their own arrangements for move-in at their respective residences.

Do I need my own instrument to be in the band?

While many students use their own instruments in indoor ensembles, the Marching Pirates prefers that students use school owned instruments, when available, for the marching band. Instruments are typically checked out at the beginning of band camp.

Are there other athletic bands I can be in at ECU?

Yes! In addition to the ECU Marching Pirates, there is a pep band that performs at home men’s and women’s basketball games. Auditions for this group will take place mid fall semester, with those achieving membership in the pep band receiving scholarships.

Are there other instrumental ensembles I can be in at ECU?

Absolutely! There are numerous ensembles at ECU. One of the other athletic bands is the ECU pep band, which starts in the middle of marching band season and continues in the spring semester. In addition to the athletic bands, there are three concert bands that meet in both fall and spring semesters. Two of these (the Symphonic Band and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble) are auditioned groups with auditions held a day or two before classes start each semester. The concert band is a non-auditioned group that also meets both semesters. In addition to the athletic bands and concert bands, ECU has two jazz bands and a full orchestra. More information about ECU ensembles can be found here.

Is there a winter guard or winter Drumline at ECU?

ECU is excited to have premiered its Winter guard in 2014. Information about winter guard is distributed during the marching season. For further details, please contact our color guard instructor, Luke Oglesby at lukeoglesby10@gmail.com.